X-raying the Recent Elective National Convention of the Labour Party and the Party’s Preparedness

Written by Ifeanyi Ogbonna

On 28th of Last month, the Labour Party held its Elective National Convention in Umuahia, that led to the emergence of a new National Working Committee of the party, with Senator Nenadi Usman as the new Chairman of the Party and Chief Acho Obioma as the National Secretary, alongside other national officers.

The convention which has the theme ” Labour Party, Rising United for Victory” reassures members of the party of its preparedness to come out victorious in future elections.

This is coming after an appeal Court dismissed a suit filed by a former National Chairman of Party, Mr Julius Abure.

Gladly, the party has successfully held its state and local government Congresses that saw the emergence of new officers at the state and local Government levels.

In Abia state, the state Congress conducted in a good atmosphere saw the emergence of Mr Peter Azubuike as the new State Chairman of the Labour Party along side other officers.

Consequently, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti who is the National Leader of the Labour Party had during the maiden inaugural meeting of the New National Working Committee of the party said that the worst of the Labour Party is over, acknowledging that the National Convention of the party was inclusive across the six geopolitical zones of the country affirming that there is no victor,no vanquished.

Furthermore, Governor Otti challenged the NWC members to prioritise reconciliation, reintegrate aggrieved members, expand the Party’s base through active membership registration.

Recalling as an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour and Trade Union Congresses, he was of the opinion that rebuilding of trust among the aggrieved members would be critical to the party’s success in future elections, even as he challenged the leadership of the party to organise a credible and transparent party primaries across all levels.

Moreso, it is a thing of joy that the party has released a schedule of activities for the party primaries, with the sale of Nomination and expression of interest forms starting between May 6 and 16 this month, while submission of completed forms are on May 17 and 18th.

Also, the nomination and expression of interest form fees for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party is pegged at 50 million naira, Senate 10million naira, House of Representatives 5 million naira, state House of Assembly 3 million naira, while Governorship is put at 25million naira respectively.

Worthy to note is that,the party has fixed May 20, for the screening of House of Assembly and its gubernatorial aspirants, while that of National Assembly and Presidential aspirants will hold on the May 22, and the results of the screening are expected to be published on May 23rd accordingly

Also,appeals and petitions will be heard on May 24, for state level seats and May 25, for National Assembly and Presidential contenders, with the final list of cleared candidates to be announced on May 26th.

However, the primaries for House of Assembly and Governorship positions are slated for May 27,while those for National Assembly and Presidential candidates will be held on May 29th.

The Labour Party in recognition of the performance of the state Chief Executive, Dr Alex Otti in office and his lofty contributions to the party’s soaring image announced that the Governorship nomination and expression of interest forms will be given to Dr Alex Otti free of charge.

Hence, as these activities are progressing towards the 2027 general elections, there is also the need for the members of the party including aspirants to conduct themselves accordingly in line with the INEC guidelines when the campaigns kicks off bearing in mind the party’s rules.

There is no doubt that the Labour Party has a better future, as a political party, and a movement for good governance, if the party and its members do what is expected of them in line with the confidence reposed on them by the people.